Music plays an important role within the school, with rehearsals taking place every day. Junior and senior choirs are open to all children, as well as an auditioned chamber choir. The department also boasts a highly proficient string group and wind band, as well as a flourishing orchestra. Attendance is by no means compulsory, but the vast majority of children turn up unprompted, and it is here that they learn about a different kind of teamwork. As well as preparing for events such as concerts and productions, the children learn the value of commitment as well as understanding the need to polish a performance. Gifted Year 6 children are also presented with the opportunity to participate in Senior School ensembles.

Sport plays a key part in everyday school life. The lessons learned in playing as part of a team, both in experiencing success and failure, help build character. Our philosophy is that all children should be given the opportunity to represent their school and both boys and girls may opt to participate in any sport. Rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball, cross-country, athletics and rounders are available for all children and competitive sports fixtures are also available for those children who want to compete against other schools, in sports festivals or national competitions. Talented Year 6 boys and girls also have the opportunity to play for the Senior School’s Year 7 teams and Year 6 have an additional games session on a Friday allowing them to play alongside pupils in Year 7.

The school has a programme of outdoor activities involving all year groups. At the start of the Spring term, children in Year 6 spend a week at Towers outdoor centre near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales. The children sample a range of activities such as canoeing, climbing, abseiling, caving, orienteering, stream walking and caving. In recent years the children have also been cross-country skiing and sledging.

Children in Year 3 enjoy a residential stay at Laches Wood in Staffordshire. Children spend two nights in the log cabins and dormitory accommodation.

Year 4 children spend two nights exploring local historical attractions at Blackwell Court, near Bromsgrove as well as enjoying outward bound opportunities on site.

Year 5 spend two nights at the historic Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire and are the only year group to camp outside as part of their residential experience. Children get the opportunity to enjoy canoeing, BMX riding, orienteering and abseiling.

Residential stays allow the children to develop greater independence and confidence. We recognise that our residential stays may mark the first time children are away from home. We work closely with parents to ensure this is a positive and fun experience.

Children can also choose to stay for a supervised Homework Club or Late Club providing an opportunity for children to talk through any areas of work with a member of staff, complete homework or even just wind down from a busy day.